While making sandwiches for my children's lunch, I glance at the calendar on the refrigerator. Tomorrow my 11-year-old daughter has an appointment with her doctor to update her vaccinations.

She's about to become a test subject for the American government's plan to inject all little girls her age with an inadequately tested, hormone-altering, and potentially carcinogenic vaccine.

The cancer that is caused by the disease she'll be vaccinated for affects just one-hundredth of one percent of adult American women. The makers of this vaccine have made it clear that their product could not be tested for its ability to prevent this cancer.

Nobody in the study, control or placebo group, contracted the cancer. This is because its incubation period is 15-20 years; most women who have it (average age: 47) contracted the virus which caused it in their thirties. The longest test trial was less than four years. The vaccine's makers state that the effectiveness of this vaccine is five years, maximum. This means my daughter will need at least four booster shots after the age of eleven.

What the drug makers do not mention is that this is the most expensive vaccine ever made, at $360 per three-shot series. They do not tell me about the vaccine's known carcinogenic and estrogenic compounds that will be injected into the body of my pre-pubescent little girl, or the fact that the shot has not been tested to find out if it can potentially cause more cases of cancer than it is supposed to prevent.

They do not tell me that twice as many children are having side effects such as "collapsing" as with the Tdap shot. For safety's sake, the National Vaccine Information Center advises that girls getting the vaccine should be lying down when receiving it, and should not walk or drive home after getting it.

They can't tell me what this vaccine will do to my daughter, because it hasn't even been tested on a large enough sample of children her age. They, of course, would not tell me that the makers of this vaccine have had thousands of lawsuits over previous medications they have put on the market prematurely that have caused injury and death.

Can I refuse this dangerous, experimental treatment if I do not want to have my child used in this way, so the pharmaceutical company (which will profit approximately 2 billion dollars a year on this vaccine) can find out exactly what it will do to little girls not even at puberty yet? Until recently, not if I live in Texas .

On February 2, 2007, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed an executive order mandating that all girls in the state entering sixth grade receive the new human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil. Made by the drug company Merck (the makers of Vioxx), Gardasil has been heavily promoted as an anti-cervical cancer vaccine. It claims to protect against four of the 100 strains of the human papillomavirus, which some studies have shown can cause cervical cancer.

By signing an executive order, Governor Perry bypassed the Texas Legislature completely, saving himself a possibly lengthy battle to make this vaccine mandatory. By mandating the vaccine, it comes under the federal vaccine protection laws, and Merck cannot be sued if the vaccine turns out to be harmful. Why would he do this? Could it be a coincidence that three days before this decision, Merck made a campaign contribution to Perry?

This decision caused a firestorm of protest on all sides. Conservatives took offense at the implication that their little girls would become sexually active, and possibly contract a sexually transmitted disease. Others resented state intrusion into parenting decisions, claiming that the government should not be mandating anything for schoolchildren involving STD prevention. Until now, almost all state-mandated vaccines were for diseases that could be transmitted by coughing or not washing hands at school.

Feminists demanded to know; why just the girls? Where did we think these girls were getting HPV? Just because HPV is asymptomatic in men (as it is in 99.99 percent of women) and there is less cancer risk, why only vaccinate half of the population that can transmit the disease?

Others found it difficult to understand how a vaccine that had not been effectively tested for toxic side effects could be steamrolled onto the public so quickly. The vaccine was only approved by the FDA in June of last year, and almost immediately added to the childhood vaccination schedule. Why the rush?

First of all, Merck is the same company responsible for Vioxx. Accused of failing to disclose that Vioxx raised heart attack risk significantly in cardiac patients, Merck is being sued by of thousands of plaintiffs. The Vioxx disaster could end up costing Merck billions of dollars. Some have called Gardasil the HPV-Help Pay for Vioxx-vaccine.

What else could explain this rush to market a vaccine that has largely not been tested on its targeted subjects (girls aged 11-19), has not been tested for cancer-causing effects, and has not been tested long-term at all?

Merck's case studies for the HPV vaccine (paid for by Merck) included only 1200 test subjects under the age of 16, and the drug was only tested for an average of 18 months. This is not nearly enough time to test for the long-term side effects of a vaccine that will be used on young girls just entering adolescence.

The Gardasil vaccine contains Polysorbate 80 (also known as Tween 80), a known carcinogen. In addition, this ingredient has been shown to have estrogenic alterative effects and cause reproductive disturbances in rats:

Previous studies...have shown that Polysorbate 80 administered by intraperitoneal injection to neonatal female rats on days 4-7 after birth produced estrogenic effects including earlier vaginal opening, prolongation of the estrus cycle and persistent vaginal estrus. Some of these effects were evident many weeks after cessation of administration of Polysorbate 80 [Gajdova et al. Food Chem Toxicol 31(3):183-90 (1993)].

We don't know what those estrogenic effects would be on the developing bodies of pre-adolescent girls. The statistics being reported to the Vaccine Adverse Effect Response System (VAEECS) are already troubling:

"Because Merck only studied Gardasil in fewer than 1200 girls under age 16 in prelicensure trials, it is critical that doctors and parents be made aware of the nature of the initial adverse event reports coming into VAERS and that they report serious health problems after vaccination when they occur," said NVIC President Barbara Loe Fisher. "There are twice as many children collapsing after getting a Gardasil vaccination compared to those getting a Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis) vaccination. There have been reports of facial paralysis and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. And doctors who give Gardasil in combination with other vaccines are basically conducting an experiment on their young patients because Merck has not published any safety data for simultaneous vaccination with any vaccine except hepatitis B vaccine"(http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20070221/pl_usnw/vaccine_safety_group_releases_gardasil_reaction_report).

Despite serious concerns about this vaccine, more than 29 states are currently considering mandating it for middle-school aged girls. Texas Governor Perry is not the only one to have felt the pressure by Merck's heavy lobbying.

Fortunately, the Texas legislature did not appreciate being bypassed by Perry, and responded to overwhelming feedback from parents, doctors, and educators by overturning the order mandating the HPV vaccine in Texas. Several states considering the vaccine have responded similarly with differing requirements for the vaccine, though many are still in the process of deciding the issue.

Why not use the billions of dollars that will be going to Merck, and instead fund a campaign to make HPV screening and Pap smears (far cheaper and more effective tools for fighting cervical cancer) free and accessible to everyone?

Most American parents willingly take their children into the pediatrician's office to get regularly scheduled vaccinations. They believe their doctors that vaccines are safe and effective, and will not harm their children. They do not ask questions about the ingredients in the shots, or what effects they might have on young children.

I am not one of them. Luckily, I live in California, not Texas, and I can still say no to this vaccine.

I look again at the calendar on the fridge. Angrily, I open the drawer next to it and take out a big, black marker. I cross out the appointment time with a decisive black stripe.

We will never wait outside a doctor's office for an experimental and dangerous treatment that has not been properly tested. Being an informed parent is part of my duty to my children, and I will never take on blind faith the recommendation of someone who profits from his or her own advice.

I do not trust the pharmaceutical industry to make decisions for me about my children's health, and I cannot honestly understand those who do.

Hpv is linked to many young women contracting mono, right after the initial dosage. Why is that? And it's no coincidence both my daughters had the HPV vacation years apart but they both ended up with mononucleosis. There is a 6 year age gap between them. What are the odds? - Bella N. [April 18, 2014]

it contains polysorbate 80. when given 3% of your body weight you WILL become un fertile - tom [February 19, 2012]

my daughter was given the gardisil vaccine in addition to other vaccines on june 29th,on august 10th she almost died,she was put in intensive care and than transferred to arnold palmers hospital where they saved her life,her symptoms were dizziness and fainting ,trouble breathing,blood clot in her juggueler vein, weakness,nauseous,swelling of eyelids, and large b-cell lymphoma. she is 17 years old and told her dr that she was afraid to get the shot. - mary r nifakos [October 30, 2011]

I believe the 50's trials in Puerto Rico as well as the Tuskegee Project are enough proof that the government's reasoning for healthcare is always to benefit the companies and not our citizens. - Wilmary Nazario [October 8, 2011]

when this first came out - I insisted my two young daughters, in NC schools, would NOT be getting an experimental drug. at 19, today the doctor asked my daughter if she was interested in getting it. a resounding NO was the response. doc didn't push it. nurse said she didn't give it to her daughter either. Mr. Perry should be given a few doses. (I think I read the question wrong and clicked the wrong answer). - Debbie [September 13, 2011]

Don't do it! Gardasil has ruined my daughter's life. We have spent the last 18 months trying to make her better and it isn't working. Be very careful about doing this to your children. I thought I was doing the right thing and we got burned. - A very sad Mom [July 6, 2011]

I believe your article is very strong and powerful, but i would like to know more. I am a high school student who is doing a research paper on this particular vaccine and its negative side effects. You have a lot of information that his very useful to me. However, I was wondering if you can provide some sources for your information i can look at for addtional info please :) - Senaida Ramirez [May 26, 2011]

It may be too late to comment on your questions, but the issue has now come up again in Australia (Mar 2011) that young boys carry this virus and should also be vaccinated . I am totally against this vaccine as the long term effects have not be proven. How many years did Mercks trial period cover? I am not a scientist or some raving lunatic, but a mature aged woman concerned about the future of our young children. I would like to vote but your question regarding Gardasil: Is Gardasil more risky than beneficial? to me invites confusing interpretation.Yes: it's better to be safe than sorry...Does safe mean safe not to get vaccination than be sorry for getting it?No: It's way to risky and unprovenShouldn't the answer go to the NO question be an answer for YES and...the answer to YES question be an aswer NO? I feel that the question is right but the answers, as they are, invites confusion with the interpretation.

eg I would answer Yes, IT'S WAY TO RISKY AND UNPROVEN (relevant to Risky)I would answer No, IT'S BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY (relevant to beneficial)If my interpretation is incorrect I would appreciate clarification. I haven't voted yet. - Marian [March 5, 2011]

EXCEPTIONAL ARTICLE-WELL WRITTEN! i HAVE A DAUGHTER WHO WAS PARTIALLY PARALYSED AND GRAVELY ILL AFTER GETTING GARDASIL VACCINES. SHE BECAME ILL WITHIN 2-3 WEEKS AFTER LAST SHOT. IT'S BEEN 2 YEARS NOW AND SHE'S MUCH BETTER-WEARING LEG BRACES FOR SUPPORT. SHE MAY NEVER RUN OR JUMP, ROLLER BLADE OR ICE SKATE AGAIN; BUT SHE'S HERE AND WE ARE BLESSED BY GOD FOR THAT. NO THANKS TO MERCK AND THEIR SCAMMING ADVERTISING TACTICS AND UNDERHANDED WAY TO GET THEIR POISON ON THE MARKET. NO THANKS TO THE DOCTORS ALSO FOR NOT TELLING ME OF POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS ESPECIALLY WHEN I ASKED THE PEDIATRICIAN BEFORE SHE GAVE MY CHILD THIS POISON. KEEP PUBLISHING THE RISKS OF GARDASIL-EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW THE GRAVE AND HARMFUL POTENTIALS THE HPV VACCINE HAS. - NOW AN EDUCATED [November 17, 2010]

I agree that these vaccines are sometimes about profit making.We hear what they want us to hear, but there is always another side to the coin...get your research together, weigh up pros and cons and then make an informed,non bias decision. - Fin [September 27, 2010]

I was pressured into getting the vaccine when it first came out by my doctor. Sadly, I didn't read up on any of this information. It's been a little over a year now since I recieved the shot, and now my monthly cycles, which used to not even phase me, are horrible. I have missed work and school because my cramps are so bad. It went from being as regular as clock work, to coming and going as it pleases. Even skipping months, or lasting 2 weeks. I'm 18, and not sexually active so there are no other reasons that this should be happening. My friends that have gotten the vaccine have also had similar problems. One even had to be hospitalized hours after recieving the 3rd shot because her temperature spiked to 104 degree's and had severe pain - it lasted three days. I don't recommend anyone getting this vaccine, especially young girls under 18. Wait until more studies have come out to see what the long term effects really are. - Katie [May 14, 2010]

My daughter at 15 recvd the 1st two shots last year. She has since has bouts of sudden onset terrible illness with migraines, muscle weakness, pains, blurred vision, nausea, emesis,hot flashes.She has missed 1/3 of her school year& she is an A student. She is an athlete rides/trains horses when not in school. My older daughter got all & had no affects. My opinion? Do NOT risk it. Do NOT give it to your child. The risks are too great. Google "adverse affects with Guardasil" You will be convinced. - Louise Boldt [April 26, 2010]

I am so happy that more people are being informed of the risks of vaccines! I tried telling my family and friends and no one will listen to me. My doctor had recently told my sister & I that we need to get the Gardasil vaccine. Thankfully, my teacher in college had informed me of the risks. After listening to the statistics and side effects of vaccines, I will NEVER vaccinate my kids. - Nicole [October 28, 2009]

My daughter has been sick since her cancer shots. It was not worth it. It was pushed on us by her pediatrition who was touting it before it even came out. I wish I had never taken my daughter to the doctor on that day. Our lives are now hell. One appt. after another and a very sick child. - karenahaack [October 18, 2009]

artificial inteligence is on the cards i have had 4 baby girls all same daddy first two 1980s no injection no problems, last two 1990s within an hour of birth vitamin k (yes i know sounds harmless) so i consented shame on me,perfect healthy babys stolen from me and there brains scrambled poor souls never ever ever will i consent to any chemical being injected into any of there systems ever again take our chances with mother nature thanks but no thanks - michelle [September 28, 2009]

artificial inteligence - michelle [September 28, 2009]

I'm very scared--- I'm a 12 year old immigrant to the United States. In order to get a Green Card I HAVE to get all the recommended vaccines, which could potentially kill me and destroy the brain. I'm very very very sad. - Megan [August 16, 2009]

Important Video on the Potential Dangers of Gardasil

Take a few minutes and watch this important video on the potential dangers --and limited benefits--of the Gardasil vaccine and consider sharing it . Thirty two girls have already died, yet some are still calling for mandatory vaccinations.

Since links are not allowed here go to YouTube and type in search box "Urgent Warning about Gardasil" to watch the video.

Please share this with anyone you know who may be considering the vaccine for their daughters or themselves.

Thank you so much! - HSAlert [April 30, 2009]

I would like to know what your thoughts are if your daughter has cancer and you end up outliving her... So many women die of cervical cancer every year and if they had the chance before they found out they had it, to have a vaccine that could potentially stop them from having cancer, do you really think that they would say no? You think that your daughter will die from having a vaccine to stop something that could actually kill her because a few girls have passed away...? Wow... unbelievable. It does not stop every type of cancer, no, but it was designed to stop the most common. You state that it was only tested on 1200 girls? Wrong. It was tested on 11,000 girls and women aged 9-26. If this vaccine was as inaffective as you state and caused the deaths of those young girls, it would not have been made public in the first place and it would have been tested long enough before being made public to make sure that this did not happen. - Alana [April 4, 2009]

After learning about this vaccine and how it killed 28 girls and injured over 9,000, I decided to spread the word to as many people I know. I would NOT recommend this poisonous vaccine to my worst enemy. How many young women have to die or get injured before they ban this thing. Spain got rid of theirs, so why can't we? - Sal [March 4, 2009]

The information in this article was written well to elude the public, of course one should always make sure that the vaccines that effect lives are safe, but there was no information in this article to prove against the benefits of what is deemed by many as a good vaccine.

It's not a medicine it's a preventative immunological boost. I am doing my research because I personally want to ensure my health and am thinking of getting the Gardasil vaccinations. - Colleen [January 11, 2009]

ok, before we start trying to scare people into getting the shot with the fear of cancer, show me the proof that this will even prevent you from getting cancer. Show me the woman that had this shot 30 years ago and doesn't have HPV or cancer! Oh, wait we haven't tested it long enough to say that! Not to mention the fact that there and hundreds of girls that have already lost most of their hair from the side effects already, but thanks for pointing that out Jeanne! Not to mention I'n sure you are more concerned about her or her childrens health then she is! Please be well educated, and if you are suffering, please try the kinoki foot pads, they really helped my daughter! - Jamie Hougas [September 26, 2008]

My daughter was just one of thousands that have been hurt by Garadsil, please research long and hard before you decide to get the shot! And please know that if you think your government thinks it can make you get them, it can't. Go to vaclib.org, all the answers are there! - Jamie Hougas [September 26, 2008]

they havent tested it enough and since all these bad reactions and even deaths are happening because of this drug. It is way to risky for 9-12 year olds or anyone at all really. I never want to have the drug and neither will my children or my grandchildren. When they come along. - Jane Alderberry [September 18, 2008]

that was the most comprehensive, well written article on this topic I have read thus far. thanks for getting the word out there! - Eva Larson [September 3, 2008]

I am 19 and I have had the 3 shot series of the Gardasil Vaccine, I had no side effects other than soreness at the injection site. I made this descision on my own the only thing that infuenced me to get it was the fact that my mom and grandma both in their mid 30s had their uterus removed due to cervical cancer and tumors on their ovaries, they were no longer able to have any more children even though they desired it. I don't won't to have that problem and I did not find it to be a reason to have sex I was not raised nor taught that way I was a virgin then and I am still one now. So I took it upon myself to take the risk of an experiment that prevents cancer. The first vaccine created to prevent cancer, why would you pass that up? I did it and it has been 2 years since my vaccinations in full and there have been no problems. So whats the big fuss about? I am proud of my descision and I feel that your children should be able to decide on their own whether they want it or not, and you should support their descision. My parents supported mine. - Kenzie Pope [August 26, 2008]

Dear Anastacia,

What are you going to tell your daughter when she has to have a hysterctomy for cervical cancer? Or worse, when it has spread throughout her body. Will the side effects of the chemotherapy-- vomiting, hair fallling out, possible death due to infection that her body can't fight off be worse than any potential problem with polylsorbate 80? - Jeanne [July 10, 2008]

I think the Governor should be injected with a lethal dose. Who does this guy think he is? - BK [July 9, 2008]

Also mothers please talk to your young daughters about the dangers of contracting this virus. I know more women that have this than not. This is not a virus that effect only women who have many sexual partners. They including myself have had 1 or 2 sexual partners. - anna [May 1, 2008]

Iam truly shocked and have compassion for those of you who have had horrible side effects to this vaccination. I was diagnosed with the strand of hpv that causes cervial cancer. This was before the vaccination came out. The cells have grown and I'm scheduled to have my first surgery in a few days. I wish that more money would be put into researching ways to test for this in men since they are the carriers. This would cut down on the insanely high and still growing statistics of women with hpv. I also hope for more advancements in how to control this virus. I hate phar. Co. They are not to be trusted. - anna [May 1, 2008]

Always do research before doing something - amber [April 22, 2008]

My 11 year old daughter started the shots in July. There were no immediate side effects. But two weeks she got a bad rash all over her face, neck and chest. It was so bad that her eyes were swollen shut. I took her to the doctor and asked if it was poison ivy or something similar. She said no.

My daughter has also had protein in her urine, a seizure, thyroid problems, constant fatigue, migraine headaches, stomach pains and a low grade temp for weeks on end.

I blame the Gardasil for it. I wish that I had known the risks before letting her get the shots. I wont make the same mistake with my younger daughter!!!!

I have created a group on Yahoo for people to tell their story about side effects from this vaccine. Feel free to join and share your story.

LetsTalkaboutGardasil - Anita [March 27, 2008]

I am a healthy 20 year old who always has had a very regular menstral cycle. I am not sexually active. I recieved my first HPV inoculation Wednesday, March 5th. The same day I also recieved my first Rabies vaccine.Later that day I noticed unusual colored dischage on my underwear. It is thick and dark brown to dark pinkish. Sometimes it more resembles old blood. It does not smell or hurt in my pelvic area. I am currently late for my period by 3 days.Insurance issues have kept me away from the doctor and I have trying to find information online that may help me. I never wanted to get the vaccine, but finally caved with pressure from my mother. I'm worried and apalled there isn't more data on the effects of the vaccine. I am also mad at myself for giving in when I knew there was not much study on the vaccine.I am against the vaccine and do not plan to be further vaccinated and STRONGLY recommend women and parents not to fall for the scare-tactics of the vaccine companies. - Annie [March 24, 2008]

I am against mandatory Gardasil vaccines because HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. Sexual abstinence is the only effective prevention acknowledged by the CDC.Even if a condom is covering the entire penis skin to skin contact can still transmit the virus. - Pamela [March 17, 2008]

Pharmaceutical companies are lairs, frauds and murderers!! Take their privileges away. They should NOT be allowed to market/advertise prescription drugs to the general population. They shoudl not be traded publicly on the stock market (as that means they are responsible for increasing the profits of shareholders, regardless of side effects and moral integrity) - AK [February 11, 2008]

GARDACIL SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE MARKET.MY DAUGHTER HAD THE SHOT AT 12,AND IT'S BEEN THE WORST THING EVER IN OUR LIFE.THE VERY SAME DAY FAINTING SEVERAL TIMES ,HAD TROUBLE BREATHING,LIMP,COULD'NT SPEAK FOR PERIODS OF TIME,LOST MEMORY DIN'T KNOW WERE SHE WAS TEMPERALLY LOST OF MEMORY DIZZNESS MY DAUGHTER WAS VERY NORMAL UNTIL THIS DAY OF MISERY CAME INTO OUR LIFE. - RENEE [January 12, 2008]

MY DAUGHTER HAD THE GARDSIL SHOT AT AGE 11 AND SHE'S BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS SINCE THE DAY AFTER THE.FAINTINGSPELLS,DIZZINESS ALL THE TIME,HALLUCATIONS,BREATHING PROBLEMS,HEART PROBLEMS,NEVER BEFORE HAS SHE BEEN SICK LIKE THIS SUPPOSE TO BE EFFECTIVE SHOT . SHE NEVER EXPERIENCED NOTHING OF THE KIND UNTIL NOW.I REGRET LETTING HER HAVE IT.MY OTHER DAUGHTER WILL NOT AND WON'T HAVE THIS SHOT.MY DAUGHTER BEEN THREW A LOT SINCE THIS SHOT - TERESA [January 12, 2008]

My daughter had a seizure after her first injection within seconds. Family MD stated it was not related. She stated it was the flu. Asked how many people she saw have a seizure after the Gardasil injection and had said it was the flu. She gave no comment. Also severe vomiting 1 hr after injection which resulted in ER visit. This lasted 3 days. - Jay Riggenbach [November 18, 2007]

My 13 year old daughter went to the dr who during the visit recomended the Gardasil vaccine. His jaw dropped when my response was "Isn't that made by the same people who made Vioxx?" He didn't bring it up again. My daughter is way too important to me to blindly follow to crowd who may be heading off a cliff. I'll wait, she is only 13, I have time. - Barbie [November 9, 2007]

And the label WAS updated after one year to include fainting. Fainting is not a seizure but sure feels weird. Its unfortunate that the nurse didn't tell that girl and vaccinate her while seated. - Bill [November 7, 2007]

Wow. This person really does not know what he/she is talking about. I laughed at the random 99.99% asymptomatic. Yes, HPV generally clears on its own. But 1 in 5 women have an abnormal pap test in their lifetime, hardly making HPV symptom free. And no, the company could not ethically test for cancer. WHat are they going to to, allow the woman's infection to progress to cancer before treating? No, ethical treatment intervened. But there were many cases of CIN 2 and 3(direct precursors to cancer) in a short period. Following Amer. College of OBGyn guidelines, women were followed and treated when necessary. Bravo, Merck. A worthy vaccine. - Bill [November 7, 2007]

You make many claims here, but provide few sources. It would be helpful if you included where you are getting all of this information. Also, the Yahoo news link doesn't work. - Alaina [October 5, 2007]

I’m glad that someone is informing the public of the dangers of Gardacil. I was one of the unfortunate girls that wasn’t told of the side effects of this vaccine. The doctors only said that there would e a little soreness in my arm. They didn’t say that I would pass out and slightly shudder as if in a seizure. Although it was seconds it’s still unnerving to wake up on the floor. The fact that no one told me of the possible side effects is just ignorance in itself. Thank you for writing this article to inform other young woman. - Triniti [August 25, 2007]